Open DNS is a free DNS (Domain Name Server) service which makes internet browsing safer.  This is an idea solution for home users or schools.  OpenDNS filters out Web page requests at the domain name system (DNS) level.  By default most Internet users use their ISP’s DNS servers for this task.

OpenDNS requires no downloading or installing software, you simply choose OpenDNS DNS servers instead of those assigned by your ISP.  OpenDNS categorizes content into more than 50 categories that can be blocked on an individual basis. In addition to the obvious categories, OpenDNS also can block video sharing, classifieds, games, p2p and so on.

However, in order to restrict a variety of adult website content you will need to create a free account with them, register your IP address and select the categories you want restricted (i.e. sexuality, nude, pornography, lingerie, grotesque, etc…).

How does OpenDNS make money? When OpenDNS users mistype a domain or enter a Web site name that doesn’t exist, the service will try to determine which site you meant to visit. So, if you accidentally type “microsoft.cmo,” it takes you to “microsoft.com.” But if it can’t figure out the domain you typed, it serves you targeted text ads.

Tags: content filtering, dns, open dns, Software

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 at 10:31 pm and is filed under Software. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.